Sunday, November 30, 2008

What a great weekend it's been! I found out yesterday that I won a PR Award!

First, I have to thank my son, my fabulous photographer! He always knows how to capture my best side! LOL Also, I thank the members of PR for voting for me! Hereis the complete list of winners. Congrats to you all! You guys rock!

Another big win this weekend was ALABAMA beat the snot out of Auburn, 36 - 0!

Friday, November 28, 2008

I was flipping through Life and Style Magazine and saw a picture of Brooke Shields wearing this fabulous coat! I instantly became obsessed with it. I googled for about 20 minutes looking for it and found these images, but no credit for the designer. Since all of the wardrobe for this show is fresh from the runway, I checked the most fabulous site I know -- Net-a-porter.com and there it was!

Brooke Shields as Wendy Healy on the set of the final episode of Lipstick Jungle.

Even though the neckline is collarless and not funnel, the unstructured lines still remind me of the coat I just made. I love the way it's worn dressed up with platformed pumps and dressed down with jeans.

Now, I'm dying for a white coat! I have no clue if I'll get around to making one. But if I do, please be assured that it would definitely have gold hardware!

I can not believe that NBC is cancelling this show! What other fashion-forward shows do us 30 and 40 somethings have to enjoy? The wardrobe alone made this show must-see TV. It's going to be a while before I cool down about this.

I'm sure you have noticed this trend for a while now. It appears to be a top and a skirt that is actually a dress... the two-in-one dress. The two-in-one can give the illusion of a high waisted skirt and blouse, which hugs in all the right places and provide a fabulous hour-glass shape.

According to the flat pattern measurements, I cut the size 16 in the bodice and the skirt. I hand basted the neckline pleats and made the darts in the back of the bodice. The pattern suggested facings for the neck and armholes. I DESPISE facings and I never see them in RTW. I referred to "High-Fashion Sewing Secrets" for tips on binding a neckline. I did this by cutting bias strips 10 times (2 1/2") the finish width (1/4"). I did the same thing for the sleeve.

The skirt has princess seams. I sewed it accordingly. The pattern called for a slit, but I decided to omit that. I attached the skirt to the bodice and installed the invisible zipper on the left side. I also added a full lining to the dress.

They pieces where drafted really well. I guess the instructions were okay, because I didn't use them. The only thing I didn't like about this pattern were the facings. Other than that, it's great and the possibilities are endless.

Friday, November 21, 2008

Remember months ago when I discussed "The Great Coat Sew-along"? Yeah, way back then. Well, I finally made a coat. BUT, there have been some changes. Do you also remember when I bought THIS fabric? I know y'all thought it was for the Michael Kors peacoat. Isn't it a woman's prerogative to change her mind? Of course it is! I'm such a joiner that I had to join the coat sew-along and reluctantly selected two coats because I had to make a decision. I knew way back in the Spring that those would probably not be the coats I would make. When the new Vogue patterns came out, I saw the coat that would be perfect for my bright-colored coating fabric!

Sidenote: Now, don't hate me for not having all of the detailed construction shots you all have grown accustomed to. I worked on this coat last week and I had a terrible cold and I was just not in the mood for all of that. I'll be working on another coat in the that *should* be finished before Christmas (a gift to myself, LOL) and I PROMISE to take all of the detailed pictures for you.

Inside the coat: I had plan to use hair canvas interfacing, but when I tested it with my coating, it felt too stiff... the funnel neck would have felt like cardboard. Instead, I used a fusible 100% cotton woven that I lucked up on at Hancock. I fused the entire bodice. For the back, I followed the instructions in both Tailoring and JFRP and created a back stay made from 100% cotton muslin. This was my first time doing this and I had already put the stay in when I realized that the back bodice need to be topstitched.

The lining: Okay... this is the part that I had issue with the Vogue instructions. The instructions would have you construct the bodice lining and attach it to the bodice. THEN you would construct the skirt portion lining and SLIPSTITCH it to the bodice! Why not just bag the lining??? Well, I following the instructions in Easy Guide to Sewing Linings and bagged it perfectly. PLEASE, if you decide to make this coat, it's much easier to bag the lining than all of the extra handsewing that this "Very Easy Vogue" pattern would have you do. Another intersting thing about this pattern is that the front and back bodice facings are sewn with the fabric instead of the lining... seehere.

Finishing touches: The instructions suggested cording for button loops. Ummm... no! I used self-fabric loops for mine. I also added extra snaps. The instructions suggested only two large ones. The placement of those would not keep the front part of the funnel neck standing. Here is where I added the extra ones. They also eliminated gaping at the waist in between the two large buttons. Also, according the the Tailoring book, I added interface to the hemline to stabilize it. And since my coat has a free-hanging lining, I used quick tacks to secure the lining hem to the coat hem. Another method is French tacks. I didn't feel proficient enough to make those work, but I'll give them another try in my next coat. Also, as a last minute adjustment, I felt the coat needed shoulder pads even though this is the one thing that the instructions failed to list. Since I wanted to be done, I bought a set of the el-cheapo ones from Hancock that are really thin, but enough for what needed. One thing I didn't do that I will go back and do is add a weight to the mitered corner. I was looking at my picture and realized that the it's needed so that the hem will hang properly. The coat was finished with topstitching.

All in all, I really love this coat. It has hung on my dressform for days and I've tried it on over and over... it took a few days for it to grow on me. I recommend this if you like a coat that's a little different and not so basic.

Simplicity 2724 (that I bought a little while ago), is the perfect pattern for this dress! The skirt portion has princess seams and a front slit. The slit can easily be eliminated! I Love, Love, Love the pleated neckline!

Speaking of pleated necklines...

Image from the NY Times

Mrs. Obama looked fabulous in the sheath she wore today on her tour of the White House! According to Mrs.-O, this fabulous frock is a Maria Pinto creation. Love it! I am school girl giddy to see everything she's wearing.

And just for kicks, here's a great pic of her and Pres.-elect Obama. I love the flared coat and boots!

About Me

Welcome to my DIY Style blog! How many times have you seen clothes in an upscale department store or a posh boutique and cringed at the sight of the price tag? I've done it many times and have said to myself, "I could make that"! While reading my fashion sewing blog, you'll share with me in my adventures in taking "boring" patterns from drab to fab by creating "inspired" looks pulled straight from those boutiques, the runway and fashion magazines. Also my adventure in learning to tailor and couture sewing techniques.